#NoWrongPath Blog | Finlay Stewart
Many of us embark on career paths influenced by family, yet often, it's the unexpected detours and a willingness to explore that truly shape our professional journeys. That was the case with Finlay Stewart who, despite initial aspirations of becoming an archaeologist, found his calling in the dynamic world of financial services.
Finlay Stewart
Client Manager
Aberdeen
Finlay’s story challenges the traditional narrative, highlighting how a traineeship, a readiness to step outside comfort zones, and the invaluable support of mentors can lead to a deeply fulfilling career, even one that unexpectedly blends professional success with a passion for social impact.
1.What first sparked your interest in working in the financial sector, and how did that lead to the specific role you're in now?
Like a lot of people in financial services, both my parents worked in finance, so for a lot of my childhood I didn’t want to do what they done (being an archaeologist was much more my fancy!). However, as I got older I realised my skills were aligned with the financial sector, so I wanted to pursue a career there. One of my friends dad worked at aberdeen and sent the traineeship programme to me and it seemed like the perfect fit for me.
2. Can you describe the journey that brought you to your current role — and what made you choose that particular path (e.g., apprenticeship, degree, career switch)?
When I realised I wanted to work in financial services there were lots of pressures on me to go to university to pursue this dream. But this wasn’t what I wanted to do so when I found about the traineeship that aberdeen offered I knew that this was the route I would take.
I initially ended up in risk and compliance which was a totally alien world to me. All the jargon made me feel like I was out of depth but soon I started to learn, leading to me have the confidence to move into investments and in relationship management where I am now.
3. Were there any key moments, mentors, or experiences that helped you realise this was the right fit for you?
Yes, I have been very lucky to have the number of mentors over my time in finance. Their positive encouragement and constant belief in me has made me feel comfortable in my choice of career.
4. What aspects of your current role do you find most fulfilling, and did that align with what you expected when you started?
When I was first getting into finance, I thought charity work and my career would be very separate things, but I am able to raise awareness for charities in work and fuel the charity I work with through sponsorships and volunteers helping them continue.
For example, I have worked with Street Soccer Scotland, a charity which supports people affected by social exclusion, providing a safe space, a sense of purpose, and access to new opportunities. This has included organising charity raffles and drinks, arranging kit donations, as well as general awareness of the charity.
I am lucky enough to do lots of other social impact work such as helping charities, speaking in schools and attending events at the houses of parliament. There are all things that have interested me for quite some time, and I am privileged to be able to do this alongside my role day to day role.
5. Looking back, is there anything you would tell your younger self (or someone starting out) about finding a role in finance that truly fits them?
You don’t know what you don’t know! Go out and try things - people are so scared of being in job they don’t like or feel they aren’t ready for that they talk themselves out of doing what could have been their dream job. Try not be scared of going out and trying something new, that attitude is what separates the talkers and the doers in life.
Very few people in life will have jobs specifically suited for them so learn to develop yourself within a job and take the skills, information, and good habits from a role and embed that in your own character.
Finlay's inspiring journey shatters the myth that a successful finance career demands a linear path or a university degree. We've seen how he navigated the "alien world" of risk and compliance, ultimately thriving in relationship management and even championing vital social impact initiatives.
His powerful advice is a vibrant call to action for anyone starting out. It's a reminder to embrace new experiences, truly develop yourself within a role, and never let fear hold you back from uncovering your incredible potential.
For more information about a career in finance visit: getinto.finance